The Effectivity of Lemongrass Oil as a Natural Insecticide

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

According to Insect-Pest Management and Control, insects become pests when they reduce the quantity or quality of the food and fiber in a production. One of the most common household pests is the cockroach that is commonly seen in warm homes, kitchens and wall cavities. Cockroaches are known to spread diseases, but there are insecticides that are commercially available, however, these insecticides are synthetic and contain chemicals that are dangerous to both health and environment. One of these chemical compounds that are effective in eliminating cockroaches is the citronella that is a major component of the oil from Cymbopogon plants. According to Gagan, S. et. al, (2011) the reported phytoconstituents are essential oils that contain Citral α, Citral β, Nerol Geraniol, which is a constituent of lemongrass oil. Due to these pressing reasons, the researchers are motivated to produce natural insecticide from lemongrass oil.

METHODS

Steam Distillation was done by placing a large amount of plant material in a large round-bottomed flask. A claisen adapter was used. The water was heated with a Bunsen burner to create steam directly. The extracted oil was a pipette. All three (3) transparent containers were covered with clear plastic wrap and were equipped with holes for the cockroaches to breathe. Four (4) cockroaches were placed inside each container. To apply, simply wipe the destined amount of oil to each of the labeled containers containing an equal number of cockroaches. Time was recorded after the cockroaches were placed inside each.

RESULTS

The following are the findings obtained in the study based on the experiment conducted by the researchers at the researcher's residence. in terms of mortality rate, any concentration of lemongrass oil is effective in exterminating the cockroaches. In terms of the average time of extermination, the higher concentration of lemongrass oil is more effective and has the fastest time of extermination.

DISCUSSIONS

1. The produced natural insecticide has the capability to exterminate cockroaches.

2. The higher concentration of lemongrass oil in the produced insecticide has the fastest average time of extermination.